Earlier this week, it was announced that Zabit Magomedsharipov was in need of an opponent, and the third-ranked featherweight contender already has someone in mind.
Magomedsharipov was supposed to face fifth-ranked featherweight contender Yair Rodriguez in the main event of a Fight Night on August 29, however, on Tuesday at the Contender Series, UFC President Dana White announced that Rodriguez had to withdraw from the event due to an ankle injury, leaving Magomedsharipov without an opponent. It’s an unfortunate turn for Magomedsharipov as the bout was viewed by many, including the current featherweight champion Alexander Volkaovski, as a possible title eliminator.